Veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins has found common ground with rookie Fernando Mendoza since joining the Las Vegas Raiders, forging a relationship built on mutual respect, shared faith, and a dedication to improving the team. Cousins, entering his 15th NFL season and fourth franchise, acknowledged the unique dynamic of being in a quarterback room with a highly touted first-round draft pick.
The Raiders selected Mendoza with the No. 1 overall pick in the NFL Draft, a move that was anticipated following Cousins' offseason signing. While Cousins experienced a similar situation with the Atlanta Falcons when they drafted Michael Penix Jr. in 2024, he described his current partnership with Mendoza as "great."
"The quarterback room is at its best when everyone’s pulling together, helping one another, and we’re all working as a force together to help all of us get better at our craft," Cousins said. "That’s what it was in Atlanta, that’s what it is and will be in Vegas. That’s what I most enjoy about coming to work every day, having a great quarterback room that we all are in together. It’s been that way."
Head coach Klint Kubiak has indicated that Cousins will begin the season as the starting quarterback, allowing Mendoza to learn and develop. Cousins has been taking the majority of first-team reps in training camp, while Mendoza has been getting significant playing time in preseason games.
"Fernando’s a great worker and is quickly adapting and picking up to all that there is changing for him from college to the pros," Cousins added. "I expect it to be a great year for both of us."
Cousins noted Mendoza's ability to ask questions and his sense of urgency as key attributes for an NFL quarterback. He also mentioned that both he and backup quarterback Aidan O’Connell have learned from Mendoza's knack for throwing back-shoulder passes.
Beyond football, Cousins and Mendoza share a strong Christian faith, which has become another cornerstone of their relationship. Cousins, who leaned on his faith when deciding to join the Raiders, found that Mendoza also prioritized discussions about finding a church in Las Vegas.
"I think even one of the first conversations when he arrived, he was asking if I’ve found a church yet in Vegas," Cousins shared. "Obviously, this game of football and the journey we’re on, it can test us. There’s things that happen outside of football that can weigh on us. Certainly, with what his mom has gone through with her health, it’s been documented. And there’s a lot of different factors that play into what may weigh us down when we come into work."
Cousins emphasized the importance of having an anchor beyond football success, stating, "It’s truly building your life on a sturdy foundation when you build it on your faith and not on the success of your football career, which is going to go up and down like a roller-coaster."
While Cousins is focused on leading the Raiders to wins in the upcoming season, he also expressed excitement about building a long-term bond with Mendoza. He aims to prove right those who believe he still has what it takes to perform at a high level.
"I think it’s important for me to prove people right in the sense of you think of the people who have believed in you. The people who have supported you, the people who have said, ‘We do think that Kirk has something left in the tank.’ I want to prove them right," Cousins said.
Outside of his football duties, Cousins has also embraced new technology for home entertainment, installing an AWOL Vision Aetherion projector. He described the setup as enhancing family gatherings and movie nights, noting its versatility for both indoor and outdoor use. He sees potential future applications for the projector in coaching or media analysis after his playing career concludes.